Hailey On a Mission

What Lent Meant to Me. 4.8.12

It’s been a long 40 days full of struggles, temptations, and finally redemption. This year served as my third year practicing lent, however it was my first actually Catholic. I was very anxious for Lent to come this year. I was ready to fully partake in this Lent season. But I didn’t realize how much God would show me about myself. Lent truly was a season of rebirth; even for the girl baptized just a year ago.

To begin Lent, I gave up what distracted me most from God, social networking. Facebook. Twitter. Pinterst. Tumblr. Gone. The lack of connection to the outside world allowed me to connect more deeply to the one above.  

During Lent, if we allow it, our God reveals to us every aspect of our life that we can improve on. Through His son, Jesus Christ, we are shown an example of how we are to live.

How Lent changed me…

1. Given the time to reflect on myself and my relationship with God, I was able to see how focused I am on how I am seen by others. I have always felt the need to prove to people that I am good person and a firm follower of Christ. But the truth is, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. My life was not placed here to win the approval of the world, but to glorify my father in Heaven.
2. I now realize that I am not as righteous as I first believed. Avoiding major sin and going to church does not make you a holy person working towards sainthood. Lent is about dying to one’s self and leaving behind worldly desires to follow Christ.
3. Suffering is actually a good thing. It is through suffering that we come to truly know Christ and become one with Him through His suffering on the cross. We cannot expect to be risen with Christ without suffering with Him too.
4. The most holy people who made a contribution to the world through their faith focused on one thing. They focused on not this life, but the next. The eternal life with God. We can truly experience grace when we live this life focused on the next.
5. A worrier by nature, God showed me how to place my hope and trust in Him this Lenten season, which consequently showed me how to loosen my grip on materialistic things.
6. I now know that no matter how hard I try to please the world with my work, my looks, my words and whatever else I spend too much time on trying to impress people with, God sees not with the eyes, but with the heart.

With all insecurities and distractions set aside, I realized the most profound enlightenment of my 17 years, I am worth dying for. Even if I was the only person in the world, Christ still would have came just to save me from my own sin. And that is love.

It is my prayer and hope that everyone else’s Lent season was one of spiritual renewal and rebirth.

God’s Peace,

Hailey

Hard Times With a Good God 1.10.12

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: 1 Sm 1:9-20 Or 1 Sm 1:1-8
• Psalm: 1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd Or Ps 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19
• Gospel: Mk 1:14-20 

Both options for today’s first reading discuss Hannah from the first book of Samuel. She longed for a son and could not conceived. This greatly upset her, and to make things worse, her husband’s other wife, Peninnah have several children. Hannah wept and cried to the Lord, promising that if He were to give her a son, he would live for the Lord all the days of his life. Meanwhile, in her waiting, Peninnah cruelly made sure to boast about her children to Hannah. This, in turn, hurt her very deeply and she cried even harder to the Lord. The Lord remembered her promise, and she delivered a son.

I think there is a lot we can take from Hannah’s behavior. In our world, we always want what we don’t have; may it be designer clothes, fancy cars, boyfriends/girlfriends, you get the point. But with all of those examples, there is a selfish motive behind their longing. It is to please ourselves. Hannah wanted a son so badly, and promised that if she were to have one, he would glorify God everyday. Do your wants and desires glorify the Lord and His works? Will the things you pray for contribute to others experiencing the Kingdom of God?

Our Responsorial Psalm boldly declares, “To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.”

Today’s gospel talks about when Jesus commands the unclean spirits to depart from a man in the synagogue, and also when Jesus comes to Simon and his brother Andrew asking them to leave everything and become fishers of men.

I believe that the Gospel reading from today fits very nicely with our first readings. Along with praying with the intent of glorifying God in our troubles, we also should trust Jesus to take authority in our lives. By removing the unclean spirits, Jesus reveals His authority over evil. Glorify God, and Jesus will take authority in your life through your pain. And because of your burdens, you will see the strength of God. Leave what you know, trust God, and let the outcome always glorify God. 

God’s Will For You 1.9.12

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 Or Is 55:1-11 Or Acts 10:35-38 Or 1 Jn 5:1-9
• Psalm: Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10. Or Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6.
• Gospel: Mk 1:7-11

There are a couple options for today’s readings, but they’ve all got to have something in common, right? As for our Gospel reading for today, it is one we have seen a few times in the last couple days. We are still reading about Jesus’ baptism. Perhaps the church is trying to tell us there is a lot to learn from this event?

By Jesus’s baptism, He accepted the will of God and began His ministry. In what ways have you accepted God’s will?

From one of our first readings of Isaiah, “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon Him while He is near;” Isaiah 55:6. First and foremost, we must seek the Lord. We cannot follow God’s will without first seeking Him. When you seek Him, He will reveal His will for you.

So you’re diligently praying, reading your bible and you still aren’t sure what God wants from you… First off, continue what you are doing! God will not reveal His will to you before you are ready. And that is okay! Spend this time while discerning His plan for you by following His commandments. We are on our way to knowing God’s will “when we love God and obey his commandments.” 1 John 5:2.

Now, you think you have idea of His plan, what now? Pray more. It’s kind of like a cycle. Pray. Think. Pray. Act. And Repeat. In our Gospel today, the Father says, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” after Jesus’ baptism. I like to think I am doing God’s Will when whatever I do, makes Him proud of me. While discerning His will, I imagine that the Father is sitting in heaven watching me, and is, hopefully, saying the same He did for Jesus about me.

Sometimes God’s will is not easy, out of your comfort zone, or maybe just seem downright crazy. In one of our first readings it states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8. God knows what is ultimately best for us. He does not think like we do, and we have to accept that His plan is for our key to salvation. It is in doing God’s will that we find true happiness.

Our responsorial psalm declares, The Lord will bless His people with peace” or “You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.” Amen.

Strength in Humility 1.6.12

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: 1 Jn 5:5-13
• Psalm: Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
• Gospel: Mk 1:7-11

Today let’s talk about Humility, a virtue too often overlooked. In our first reading it says, “Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” I’m not going to lie, I kind of got a big head when I read this… Think about it for a second. Because I believe Jesus is the Son of God, I am the victor of the world? And because I believe, I have eternal life? Woah.

Responsorial Psalm: Praise the Lord, Jerusalem; or Alleluia.

And then, on a different side of the spectrum, we have John in our gospel reading for today saying how unworthy he is when approaching Jesus. John states, “I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of His sandals. I have baptized you with water; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Woah, again. John is a great role model for humility. He spent his entire life humbly preparing the world for the Messiah.

The gospel today also says that John baptizes Jesus. Why would Jesus need to be baptized? He already is without sin, right? Correct. Completely humble, Jesus, the fully human and fully God man, obediently identified with sinners through His baptism. By becoming baptized, Jesus accepted the Father’s will and began His ministry. What grace! Jesus’ baptism reminds us to be humble and to faithfully obey God. Most people think of humility as being walked on, being a pushover, or seen as weakness. For us Christians, it is the opposite. Humility makes us strong. By humbling ourselves, we admit that we are not God and need Him for our strength. We are His humble servants, who are blessed enough to demonstrate His divine love to others.

Worship Him today as the One who was not ashamed to take your place, who stooped down so that you could stand.

Jesus Time 1.4.12

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: 1 Jn 3:7-10
• Psalm: Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9
• Gospel: Jn 1:35-42

Yesterday, we saw who a child of God is. On the opposite side, there is also the child of the Devil. One who is a slave to sin, is the child of the Devil. Yet, there is hope. God sent His only son to save us from sin, allowing us to be born again as a child of God.

Responsorial Psalm: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The Gospel reading for today is when John, the disciple, introduces Jesus to two other disciples as “The Lamb of God.” Then, the two disciples literally started following Him. He asked them what they wanted and their response was that they desired to spend time with Him. Wherever He was going, they wanted to join. Jesus said to them, “Come, and you will see.” The two disciples spent all afternoon getting to know Jesus, discovering that He was the true Messiah.

Have you ever taken time out of your busy life and just spent time with Jesus? Between family, friends, school, work, and sports its seems nearly impossible. But, if you can find just a few minutes in each day to spend with Jesus, you will be amazed at how He will change your life. Shut the world out, and allow Him into your life like never before. A simple five minutes of prayer or reading your bible daily will make a difference in your relationship with Jesus.

Go to a place you can let go of life’s craziness, and enjoy the company of your savior this week. Come and see what the Lord has for you.

Who’s Your Daddy? 1.3.12

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6
• Psalm: Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
• Gospel: Jn 1:29-34

Do you remember your baptism? Most “Cradle-Catholics” probably don’t; but for the ones who were old enough to remember, you know that it was a pretty epic day. You were cleansed of original sin, you accepted Jesus into your life, and… you became a child of God.

So what makes the child of God so special? You are the son or daughter of the King of Kings. The creator of the universe knows you by name and loves you exactly the way you are. From every detail of your DNA to knowing what you did last Friday night, He loves you anyway. He sees more than your appearance and hears more than your voice. He knows the very depths of your soul. He loves you and wants to lavish His love on you. When you are a child of God, you are offered an out of this world love that lasts for an eternity.

What does God ask in return? For us to abide by His law and put our hope in Him. That we may believe that He does everything in our lives to bring us closer to His everlasting love.

More Than a Friend 1.2.12

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: 1 Jn 2:22-28
• Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
• Gospel: Jn 1:19-28

The first reading for today is very blunt. Basically, it says that the Father and Son are a package deal. It is not possible to have one without the other. In order to know the Father, we just confess the Son. It is through the Son, Jesus, that we can come to the Father. Also, the reading talks about liars. Who is a liar according to the bible? Anyone who denies Jesus Christ as the Son of God, or the Father and Son; And this kind of liar is also referred to as the Antichrist. Sounds pretty harsh. Are there times in your life when you deny Jesus? Maybe by your actions, thoughts, or even lack of faith?

Responsorial Psalm: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

In our Gospel for today, it is the time when the priests and Levites came to John. They asked if he was the Christ. He admitted and denied that he was not the Christ. John also stated that he was not worthy to untie the sandal strap of the one coming after him, Jesus.

Sometimes we can get a little too casual with Jesus. He is our friend, but He is also so much more than a friend. He is the Son of God; meaning he is fully human, and fully man. We should come to Jesus at all times in life, but we should also be very reverent towards Him as well. After all, He’s God.

(Source: usccb.org)

Mass Reading Reflections 12.30.11

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 Or Heb 11:8,  11-12, 17-19
• Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 Or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10
• Gospel: Lk 2:22-40 Or Lk 2:22, 39-40

Today is a little different, but nevertheless…

Let’s take a look at the Holy Family. We have Joseph, our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, and of course, the Son of God, Jesus. Other than the obvious, what really sticks out about this family?

• Obedience - The Holy Family was committed to God like crazy. Whatever God said, went.
• Offering - The Holy Family exemplifies that in our giving, Christ is the center of our offering and the giving of ourselves.
• Oremus - Let us Pray in Latin. The Holy Family prays together.

One of the things in life we can’t choose? Our families. What can we choose? How we interact with one another. God has strategically chosen each person in your life to be there for a purpose. Every relationship you have will shape you into the person He wants to do His will. So… What does that mean for us?

1. Be Obedient. Listen to God.
2. Ask God what you can give to Him (Time, Talent, Gifts, etc.).
3. Pray with your family. Remember the corny saying, “The family that prays together, stays together?” It’s been around so long for a reason.

Mass Reflections 12.29.11

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: 1 Jn 2:3-11
• Psalm: Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
• Gospel: Lk 2:22-35

Remember WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) It’s a little cliche now, but the meaning still has value and is important.The first reading of today describes how we can come to know Christ more intimately by acting as he did. When we follow His actions and commandments we are in union with Him. If we act opposing Jesus’ ways we fall into the nature of sin. We lose our direction and become tangled up in our sinful ways. By walking in the light we can see what is right and our vision is not surrendered to the darkness. Walk in the way of the Lord.

—

For the past four weeks we have been celebrating the season of Advent, or the coming of the Lord. Here we are, four days later, and Christmas just kind of came and went. So now what? We continue to proclaim the great news of our savior! Our responsorial psalm proclaims, “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!”

—

A recap from our Gospel: In accordance to the tradition of the time, Jesus was to be taken to the Lord and sacrifice either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. The man who was to bless Jesus, Simeon, was a devout Jew. He stated that he would not die until he saw Christ the Lord. The Holy Spirit was with him, and when Jesus came he announced to Joseph and Mary,

“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

How great was Simeon’s faith, that he felt his life was only continuing for him to see Jesus? Here is representing the longing for the saving grace of Jesus, but also for the knowledge of God. In this world, we often are confused about what we want out of life, but it is Jesus’ presence that we are truly longing for in our life.

(Source: usccb.org)

Mass Readings Reflection 12.28.11

Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents and Martyrs.

Today’s Readings:

• 1st R: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2
• Psalm: Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8
• Gospel: Mt 2:13-18

In more plain words from the our first reading, we are told that we cannot say we follow Christ and lead a life that shows the opposite. Jesus wants not a part of us, but all of our being. He wants our hearts, minds, and souls. Following Christ is not hobby or a way to spend an hour and a half on Sunday’s. It is a full time commitment. However, God understands that we are not perfect. There is hope, because…

“If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.”

Our responsorial psalm proclaims, “Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.”

In the reading from the Gospel of Matthew, we read about when the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream warning him to leave Bethlehem, and escape to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod’s attempt to destroy Him. As fate would see it, King Herod ordered his soldiers to kill every boy under 2 years old in the area. Jesus was safe, and consequently, what was said by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled.

God always does what He says He will. Always.  

(Source: usccb.org)

Mass Readings Reflection 12.27.11

Yay for the Feast of Saint John, the Apostle and evangelist!

Today’s readings:

• 1st R: 1 Jn 1:1-4
• Psalm: Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
• Gospel: Jn 20:1a and 2-8

In the first reading, the reality of our God becoming visible and flesh is stated. It begins by poetically discussing the mystery and wonder of God becoming real, in a physical way. The son of God, Jesus, was both fully man, and fully God. He could be heard, seen, and even touched. Through Him, eternal life was made visible to us by our heavenly Father.

A visible God? This is a miraculous, truly great thing! Blessed are we, that our God sent His son to become man, so that we could know His love for us. Our responsorial psalm declares, “Rejoice in the Lord, you just!”

The gospel reading from today is about when Mary Magdalene told the disciples that Jesus was no longer in the tomb after His death. She assumes that someone has taken His body, which would easily justify what happened, but the two disciples (John and Peter) walk inside the tomb to see what she is talking about. John is the first to appear at the tomb, looks in, and stops there. However, it is Peter, who then arrives later and walks inside the tomb to see Jesus’ missing body. Following Peter, John walks in, sees His burial clothes, and believes that Jesus has risen from the dead.

In our lives, it is human nature to want to share our good news to others. However, at times we hold back like John did at Jesus’ tomb. It is necessary to have a mentor who can lead us back to righteousness when we can’t ourselves. It’s always a good idea to have those people in your lives that keep you accountable in your faith.

(Source: usccb.org)

Mass Readings Reflection 12.26.11

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr.

Mass Readings:

• 1st R: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
• Psalm: Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
• Gospel: Mt 10:17-22

In the first reading, Saint Stephen was doing great things among the people around him for the love of Christ, and was hated by others for doing so. He ultimately was stoned to death. However, while he was being stoned to death, he praised God and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Today’s gospel reading from Matthew talked about when Jesus spoke to the disciples about the hard times they were going to endure. Despite the expected pain, Jesus reassured them that they were not alone, and when it comes time to speak it will not be them speaking, but the Holy Spirit speaking through them.

In life, we are faced with a lot of difficulties. Usually our problems sprout from school, friends, family, etc. However, at times we can even be challenged of our faith by our peers. Society shows us that living out our faith isn’t always cool, and could even be considered committing “social suicide” simply by doing what is right and just. We may not be stoned to death, but we could be labeled at school or isolated by friends. We need not to fear though, because in the times when our faith is challenged, the Holy Spirit will overcome us and give us the strength we need to defend all that is holy.

Jesus said, “You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

(Source: usccb.org)